noun
Etymology
Origin of chorister
1325–75; < Medieval Latin chorist ( a ) singer in a choir + -er 1; replacing Middle English queristre < Anglo-French, equivalent to quer choir + -istre -ist
Explanation
If you sing in your school chorus, you can describe yourself as a chorister. A chorister is either a member or the leader of a choir. Any organized group of singers can be called a chorus or choir, and anyone who belongs to the group is a chorister. This term is more common when talking about boys or girls who sing in choirs (along with the alternatives choirboy and choirgirl). Chorister comes from the Latin chorus, originally "dance in a circle" or "singers and dancers."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"He suggested we go for a walk," said Ruth, who was a chorister at the cathedral.
From BBC • Jul. 9, 2025
This fall, the 30-year-old will perform as an alto chorister in L.A.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2024
“When we started ‘Satyagraha,’ everyone was kind of skeptical,” said Jean Braham, a chorister since the late 1990s.
From New York Times • May 21, 2024
Built around the theme “Called to Serve,” the coronation service will begin with one of the youngest members of the congregation - a boy chorister - greeting the king.
From Washington Times • May 6, 2023
His mouth is a perfect O, like that of a tiny chorister singing God's praises.
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
